AN AMERICAN military attack and observation plane will make its debut at this year’s Air Festival along with a British aerobatic team. 

The countdown is well and truly on for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival, which is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands to the free four-day event between August 31 and September 3. 

In a first for the festival, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco plane will join the line up, and making their debut will be the Starlings Aerobatic team, who will bring a two aircraft aerobatic display. 

Visitors will be treated to a new performance by former RAF Tornado pilot Richard Goodwin in his unique G-JPIT bi-plane, which he has recently reengineered to include two ATM Lynx Jet engines.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Richard CreasePicture by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

Making a welcome return will be the Yakovlev 50 and the Norwegian Historical Squadron with their classic jet the deHavilland Vampire FB.52. 

The Night Air programme will include The Firebirds Display Team and Otto the Schweizer 300C helicopter with its vibrant pyrotechnics, not forgetting the Typhoon with its night display. 

Back on land, and in another first for the festival, Madame MOJO's Cabaret Club will be offering performances throughout the four days. 

Festival director Jon Weaver said: “We encourage everyone to travel sustainably to the festival and try the Park and Ride, walk or cycle their own bike or a Beryl bike to the festival. 

“If you are from out of town, we have some excellent coach operators offering great prices down to the festival. 

Bournemouth Echo: Red Arrows by Richard CreaseRed Arrows by Richard Crease

“We’ve been made aware of planned strike action on the trains on Saturday 2 September and we are waiting for confirmation on how this will affect trains. Please check the South Western Railway website for more information. 

“While enjoying the festival, please help keep our beautiful seafront clean by recycling and disposing of your rubbish responsibly and leaving only footprints.” 

Also returning to the festival will be the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, who will be performing Sunday morning 11am to 12pm and the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6.45pm. 

The Commando Recruiting Team will be giving Unarmed Combat demonstrations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6.20pm. 

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows will perform at 5.30pm on Thursday, 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 2.45pm on Sunday.  

The RAF Typhoon will display each day and the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster will perform the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.